Federal drug arrests common to area

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The case against Vigo County Commissioner David Decker is the latest in a string of federal drug arrests in the Wabash Valley.

Police are always investigating possible drug cases in the Wabash Valley. Some end in a big arrest, like this drug raid last December, which ended with 20 arrests for meth in Vigo County.

Back in 2006, 21 arrests were made in Clay County to crack down on methamphetamine trafficking.

It may seem like there are more federal cases than normal, but Denzel Lewis of the Vigo County Drug Task Force said there is reason for that.

Lewis said the investigation continues long after the arrests are made. Then, more evidence is gathered, which can lead them to other arrests.

Lewis said meth has been a long time problem in the Wabash Valley.

"You have to realize methameptamine is no longer a biker drug. It crosses all socially-economic classes, so I don't find it that unusual," Lewis said.

He said Decker is not the first time an elected official has been involved with drugs. Lewis said he believes this is a problem in politics.

"Government leaders are not subject to urine analysis or drug screenings, whereas law enforcement are, firemen are,” Lewis said.

The judge released Decker until his next hearing, but did order Decker to random drug screenings

A date for Decker's plea agreement hearing has not yet been set.